Category: Wildlife Removal

Are raccoons dangerous? Yes, they can attack if they feel threatened!

Raccoons look cute, like really cute. Their chubby bodies, fuzzy fur, and tiny paws make you want to scoop them up in your hands. They hide out in the suburbs, shy away from interaction and give off a look that’s more silly than scary. But don’t let the looks fool you. They’re not silly, and they’re definitely not harmless. They only look cute from a distance. 

Raccoons are night owls. It’s uncommon to spot them during the day, but you might catch one wandering in rare cases, maybe they’re out searching for food, looking for shelter, or a mother is tending to her babies. But raccoons are more than just cute beings on a midnight snack run.  In fact, once a raccoon was so resilient that it climbed a 25-story skyscraper and became the famous #MPRRaccoon Internet sensation. Just how clever and determined these little critters can be. Let’s unpack their world together:

What Do Raccoons Look Like?

We might sound repetitive here but raccoons are adorably cute. They have fluffy bellies and small, wonderlike eyes. Their hands look almost human with five fingers and long toes. When they pick something they curl their fingers just right, keeping the object steady in their grip. It’s oddly satisfying. Raccoons have soft, grayish fur and a mask-like pattern around their eyes which actually helps them stay hidden in the dark and avoid getting caught. A fully grown raccoon is usually about 3 feet long from head to tail and can weigh over 20 lbs.

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

Are raccoons dangerous? Yes, they can attack if they feel threatened!

Raccoons look cute, like, really cute. Their chubby bodies, fuzzy fur, and tiny paws make you want to scoop them up in your hands. They hide out in the suburbs, shy away from interaction and give off a look that’s more silly than scary. But don’t let the looks fool you. They’re not silly, and they’re definitely not harmless. They only look cute from a distance.

Raccoons are night owls. It’s uncommon to spot them during the day, but you might catch one wandering in rare cases, maybe they’re out searching for food, looking for shelter, or a mother is tending to her babies. But raccoons are more than just cute beings on a midnight snack run.  In fact, once a raccoon was so resilient that it climbed a 25-story skyscraper and became the famous #MPRRaccoon Internet sensation. Just how clever and determined these little critters can be.

Let’s unpack their world together:

Why Are Raccoons Dangerous?

Definitely, since raccoons are omnivores & wild animals, you can expect an attack from them at any time. In general, they don’t tend to attack suddenly, as they’re shy around humans, but yes, if it’s a fight-or-flight situation or they need to protect their babies, they’ll definitely try to bite or scratch you. Before attacking, raccoons try to intimidate you by clenching their teeth and claws, fluffing up their tail, jumping at you, or aggressively screaming, growling, or crying. If you see them doing any of this, they’re about to attack. Raccoons can be especially dangerous during birthing season, as the females become hyper-vigilant and super protective of their babies.

Dangers of Raccoons in a Home

If a raccoon has made a home in your home, damage is inevitable. Even if they don’t attack you or cause any physical harm, raccoons can still be a big problem for multiple other reasons. Having a raccoon indoors can be a direct source of several health issues. Here we have listed down the big dangers that a raccoon might cause in a home:

Disease Carriers

Raccoons are carriers of dirt and disease because they live in underground spaces and hang around suburban areas. They can also carry rabies which is fatal to humans. Even a single visit from a raccoon can leave behind multiple droppings, and that’s dangerous. Salmonella, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm are all commonly spread through their urine and feces. Kids and pets who play outside are especially at risk.

If you’re thinking about cleaning up their mess, always wear gloves, disposable clothing, and a respirator, since some of these illnesses are airborne. Honestly, it’s best to call a professional wildlife control technician to handle and dispose of the mess safely.

Property Damage

Raccoons can seriously damage your home. If they’ve been living long enough in your attic or basement, check your pipes and cables. They might’ve chewed through them, gnawed on wood planks, and damaged your home’s installations. If they are in your lawn, your plants and veggies are definitely in a vulnerable condition.

Danger for your pets

If you have pets, that’s a problem too. Since raccoons are wild animals, they can possibly fight with your cat or dog and even transmit rabies to them. Raccoon aggression is at its peak with cats because of food left outside. Dog fights aren’t as common but can happen, usually when a dog chases a raccoon and gets trapped. Never ever leave your dog’s food outside after sunset, as it can attract raccoons. Small dogs are the most likely to get injured, so never leave them alone outside in the evenings.

Are Raccoons Dangerous or Just Funny? Weird Facts!

• Raccoons are brilliant. They can watch you do something once and remember it for the next three years. Their memory is strangely sharp.
• Raccoons often eat their food after a wash. They give their food a quick rinse with water. Scientists say this enhances their sense of touch.
• They’re quick adapters. Even if they spend their whole life in a forest, it only takes them a few days to adopt an urban lifestyle and find hidden spots to live in the city.
• Raccoons are omnivores with zero chill. They’ll eat anything from frogs to pizza to eggs; they finish it all. The meal just has to smell good, and the rest raccoons will handle.
• Raccoons love the night. They come out after dark.
• Their typical diet is about 40% invertebrates, 33% plants, and 27% vertebrates.

Raccoon in the House? Are They Dangerous?

If raccoons are living in your home, they can be dangerous and – they’ll leave signs. You might see handshaped tracks in your backyard or attic (since they have five-fingered feet), droppings, or claw marks. Also, if your pet has been on high alert lately, looking around with ears perked up, that usually means there’s some kind of pest nearby, and it could very well be a raccoon.

How to Avoid Dangers of Raccoons?

Below are some quick reflex actions you can do on the spot to make a raccoon fly off.

• Shout a phrase like “go off”.
• Throw some water, stones, or whatever you can grab (definitely avoid knives or anything that could cause serious harm)
• Make yourself look big to scare the raccoon away.
• Wave your hands, or stomp loudly on the pavement.
• Also, be sure to repair entry points and seal small openings around your home.

Secondly, if a raccoon has been living in your house long-term, it’s best to call a pest control company. Let the professionals handle it. They’ll not only remove the raccoon but also clean up any mess the mess removal process has left behind.

Raccoon Exterminators

At Dave’s Pest Control, we have a raccoon removal team that uses safe and proven methods to handle raccoon infestations. We’re effective and quick. If you’re dealing with a raccoon nuisance, just drop us a call, and we’ll be reaching out to you soon!

Florida, a state known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, is home to various fascinating creatures, and among them are mud daubers, a group of solitary wasps. Mud daubers, scientifically known as Sphecidae, are intriguing insects renowned for their remarkable nest-building skills and critical ecological roles. This blog explores the unique characteristics, behaviors, and ecological significance of mud daubers in Florida.

Mud daubers are solitary wasps belonging to the family Sphecidae, which comprises numerous species found throughout Florida’s varied habitats, from forests and wetlands to urban areas. These wasps are characterized by their slender bodies, elongated antennae, and narrow waist. Unlike social wasps, such as yellowjackets and hornets, mud daubers are non-aggressive and rarely sting humans, making them relatively harmless and less feared.

One of the most remarkable features of mud daubers is their nest-building prowess. The females construct nests using mud, giving them their common name. These nests are typically small, tubular structures, often resembling tiny clay pots, attached to walls, eaves, tree branches, or other available surfaces. The wasps gather mud in their mouths, fly back to the nest site, and carefully construct the nest layer by layer, creating a durable and waterproof structure.

Each mud dauber species displays unique architectural preferences and techniques. Some construct single-cell nests, while others build multi-cell nests in clusters. Additionally, some species seal their nests with mud or plant material, while others leave them open. This diversity in nest design reflects the resourcefulness and adaptability of these skilled artisans. Mud daubers are solitary insects, meaning that they do not form colonies like social wasps or bees. After building a nest, the female mud dauber captures and paralyzes insects, such as spiders or caterpillars, to serve as food for her offspring. She stings the prey to immobilize it and then places it inside a cell within the mud nest. Once the cell is provisioned with sufficient food, the female lays an egg and seals the cell. The larva hatches, feeds on the paralyzed prey, and undergoes metamorphosis, emerging as an adult wasp.

Beyond their impressive craftsmanship, mud daubers play a crucial ecological role in Florida’s ecosystems. They are valuable predators that help control insect populations, particularly spiders, which are often abundant in the state’s varied habitats. By preying on spiders, mud daubers help maintain a natural balance in the ecosystem, reducing potential pest outbreaks and supporting the overall health of the environment.

The life cycle of a mud dauber wasp typically consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female mud dauber wasps construct mud nests, each containing several chambers. In each chamber, she lays an egg and provisions it with paralyzed spiders as food for the developing larva. The larva hatches from the egg, consumes the provided spiders, and undergoes several molts as it grows. Once fully developed, the larva pupates inside a cocoon.

After the pupal stage, an adult wasp emerges from the cocoon, ready to continue the cycle by building nests and laying eggs of its own. The exact timing of each stage can vary based on environmental conditions and species.

In addition to their ecological significance, mud daubers also serve as indicators of environmental health. Their presence indicates suitable nesting locations, availability of mud resources, and prey abundance. Monitoring mud dauber populations can provide insights into changes in habitat quality and help researchers assess the impact of human activities on local ecosystems.

Removing Mud Daubers

To remove mud daubers from a home’s exterior in Florida, a homeowner can follow these steps:

Identify the nests: First, locate the mud dauber nests on the exterior of the home. These nests are often small, cylindrical structures made of mud, usually found in sheltered areas like eaves, window frames, and doorways.

Wait for inactivity: Mud daubers are less active at night and during cooler temperatures. Choose a time when they are least active to avoid any confrontations.

Wear protective clothing: To avoid getting stung, wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and gloves while removing the nests.

Use a broom or brush: Carefully use a broom or brush to knock down the mud dauber nests. Gently sweep them away from the exterior walls.

Clean the area: After removing the nests, clean the area with soap and water to get rid of any remaining residue.

Prevent future nests: To discourage mud daubers from returning, consider using preventive measures like sealing potential entry points, installing screens over vents and openings, or hanging fake wasp nests, as they may deter them from nesting nearby.

Consult a professional: If the mud dauber infestation is extensive or the nests are located in hard-to-reach areas, give us a call!

Mud daubers caused an air disaster

Birgenair Flight 301, a chartered flight managed by Turkish-partnered Alas Nacionales, took off from Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic en route to Frankfurt, Germany. Tragically, on February 6, 1996, the Boeing 757-200 operating the route crashed shortly after departure from Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport. Regrettably, all 189 passengers and crew on board lost their lives.

The investigation revealed that the cause of the crash was pilot error, triggered by incorrect airspeed information received from one of the pitot tubes. Investigators believed that a wasp nest had been built inside the tube, leading to the faulty data. The aircraft had remained unused for 20 days and lacked pitot tube covers for the two days preceding the accident.

Ancient Wasps

Around 65 million years ago, during the Late Cretaceous period, wasps were already well-established and had been evolving for millions of years. They belonged to the order Hymenoptera, which includes ants, bees, and sawflies. While specific details about ancient wasp species from that time are scarce due to the limitations of fossil records, we can make some general assumptions based on what we know about their evolutionary history.

During this period, wasps would have exhibited some similarities to their modern counterparts in terms of their basic morphology and behavior. They likely had the characteristic two pairs of wings, a slender abdomen, and a stinger. However, they might have appeared somewhat different from today’s wasps due to evolutionary changes over such a vast timescale.

65 million years ago, wasps played crucial roles in various ecosystems as pollinators, predators, and parasitoids. They likely preyed on other insects, provided pollination services for plants, and participated in complex ecological interactions that contributed to the balance of the ecosystem.

The environment during the Late Cretaceous period was vastly different from what we see today. Earth was a warmer and more tropical place, with different plant and animal species compared to the present day. Wasps, along with many other organisms, would have adapted to these changing environmental conditions, leading to diverse species and specialized behaviors.

It’s important to note that while we can make educated guesses about the general characteristics and roles of ancient wasps, the details of their appearance and behavior are still a subject of ongoing research and discovery within the scientific community.

What are cicada killer wasps?

Cicada killers, also known as cicada killer wasps, are a type of solitary wasp species. They are large and often intimidating-looking insects. Despite their name, they do not kill cicadas to consume them; rather, they are called “cicada killers” because they hunt cicadas to provide food for their larvae.

Female cicada killers construct burrows in the ground, where they lay their eggs and provision the nests with paralyzed cicadas. They sting and paralyze cicadas, bringing them back to the burrow, and lay an egg on the paralyzed cicada. The paralyzed cicada serves as a live food source for the developing larva.

While cicada killers are large and may appear threatening, they are generally not aggressive toward humans and rarely sting unless provoked or handled. They play a vital role in controlling cicada populations and are beneficial to the ecosystem. Cicada killers are typically active during the summer months when cicadas are abundant.

Why do Wasps Sting?

Wasps sting as a defense mechanism when they feel threatened. The stinger is a modified egg-laying organ called an ovipositor, and it contains venom that they inject into their victims.

The pain from a wasp sting is caused by the venom, which contains chemicals that trigger a pain response in our bodies. Additionally, wasp venom may cause inflammation and irritation around the sting area, contributing to the discomfort.

What’s the difference between a wasp sting and a bee sting?

Wasps can sting repeatedly because their stingers are smooth and not barbed. When they sting, the stinger remains intact, allowing them to withdraw it easily and sting again. On the other hand, bees have barbed stingers. When a bee stings, the barbs get stuck in the victim’s skin, causing the stinger to be torn from the bee’s body when it tries to fly away. This results in the bee’s death. The difference in stinger structure is what allows wasps to sting multiple times, while bees can only sting once.

Does wearing reflective jewelry increase the risk of getting stung by a bee or wasp?

Yes, it is true. Reflective jewelry, such as metal or shiny objects, can increase the chance of getting stung by a wasp or bee. The reason behind this is that these insects are attracted to bright and reflective surfaces, as they may mistake them for flowers or other food sources. When you wear reflective jewelry, it can catch their attention and make them more likely to approach you, increasing the risk of a sting. To reduce the chance of attracting them, it’s best to avoid wearing such jewelry when spending time outdoors in areas where wasps or bees are present.

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